Water polo is the name of Marc Smith’s game
RANDPARK – Rand Park High School Grade 8 learner Marc Smith recently competed in the Water Polo Championships held in Harare, Zimbabwe from 11 to 15 March.
Rand Park High School Grade 8 learner Marc Smith has been making waves in his game of water polo since he started at the school.
He was recently selected for the South African U14 Water Polo Squad and travelled with the South African team to participate in the Water Polo Championships held in Harare, Zimbabwe from 11 to 15 March.
The youngster began water polo two years ago at Tridents water polo club, which trains at Rand Park High School’s pool.
Smith said, “I train with the seniors, some of whom are SA players and coaches. They are incredible coaches and have taught me so much. I also made the Gauteng Schools Water Polo Squad for U13 and U14 winter training squad, which runs through the winter season.”
The Randburg Sun spoke with Marc to find out why he was so passionate about this sport. “Water polo is a natural parallel sport to my other favourite sport, swimming. I think being a good swimmer is a massive advantage to any water polo player, so water polo was a sport I fell in love with quickly. It is both physically and mentally challenging because you have to swim, wrestle and strategise with a ball.”
He added that water polo can get rough, and some opponents can be very physical. It is also very tiring and demanding sport, so if you are not fit it is a very tough sport to play. It takes constant training to stay fit and on top form.
When asked about the joy of competing with the national team at such a young age, he said, “It was one of the highlights of my young life. I felt so honoured and grateful to be part of such a strong team. It was a bit nerve-wracking in the beginning, but we all played well and had a great time bringing home the gold.”
He said that getting to play internationally was incredible. “Meeting all of the different players from the other provinces and age groups was such fun, especially singing pop songs on the bus and playing frisbee.”
He added that his school has given him every opportunity possible to hone his passions. “I get to play in the U14s as captain, I play for the U15s too as well as the 1st team starting seven. I get to play older, stronger boys and get great coaching which of course helps with my water polo skills,” he concluded.
The school added that they are immensely proud of his water polo achievements.
